Bosque River Run

Country Culture, Heritage & Life Deep in the Heart of Texas FALL A 2017

1st

EDI TIO N

Plus BAC’s Frazier Performance Hall

One Man Show

Meador: American Watercolorist

Smokin’ Hot Skills Meridian’s 30th Annual BBQ Cookoff

Volume 1, No. 1

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NIGHT LIGHTS 38 FRIDAY Six-Man Football Remains

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR The River Runs Through It

by BRETT VOSS

22 Bosque Museum Receives DESIRED DONATION

Lifeforce In Small Towns

by BRETT VOSS

Robertson Colony Collection

6

WHAT DREAMS MAY BECOME

by RUTH CRAWFORD

BAC’s Renovated Third Floor

by DEB PHINNEY

JUL 42 GOD A Guide To The 26th Annual Norwegian Christmas Home Tour

WATERCOLORIST 28 AMERICAN Randy Meador: One Man Show

by NATHAN DIEBENOW

by SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS

THAN A CAFE 12 MORE LSM’S Windmill Cafe Opens

by ANDREA HIKEL

TROUBADOURS 34 TEXAS Fostering The Art

LEGACY 46 LASTING Legacy Park Gets A Facelift

by ASHLEY ABEL

Of Songwriting At The BAC

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NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BBQ COOK-OFF Celebrating 30th Anniversary

by SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS

by DEBRA EVANS

& ABOUT 49 OUT Area Happening Events

by SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS

EDITOR’S NOTE

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

“

Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.

Country Culture, Heritage & Life Deep in the Heart of Texas FALL A 2017

1st

EDIT ITIIO ON

Third Floo or r Re R es st t to tor or o ra at tion

”

Norman Maclean A River Runs Through It and Other Stories With vivid sunsets before the stars shine bright in the still of the night, the Bosque River Valley represents what the Texas poets and singers have written about since the day it was settled. In fact, Spanish explorers came up to the present Waco area in 1772, and are credited with naming the Bosque, which means “stand of trees along a riverbed.”

So with its lush green trees, fields and rolling hills, the various rivers, creeks and streams stand out as a defining and integral part of the landscape we all love.

By definition, a river is a natural stream of water of fairly large size flowing in a definite course or channel, or series of diverging and converging channels. As a result, a river run operates on the flow of the river without modification by upstream water storage.

Consequently, the action of a running river impacts and cultivates the land where the river runs through it.

With that theme in mind, Bosque County Publishing proudly launches a new, full-color quarterly magazine, entitled BOSQUE RIVER RUN: Country Culture, Heritage & Life Deep In The Heart of Texas.

Striving to become the cultural and literary magazine of the Bosque River Valley, each edition of the beautifully designed magazine will feature a taste of the things this area has to offer, including quarterly focuses on Art, Music, Theatre, Parks, Wildlife, Agriculture, Ranching, Businesses, Healthcare, Destinations, History, Community Events and Country Living presented by a variety of specialized writers from around the area writing about what they know best, while illustrated by the award-winning photography of Simone Wichers-Voss and Kelli Purcell.

With a history of producing nationally award-winning magazines, we look forward to offering seven counties in the Bosque River Valley area -- Bosque, Erath, Hamilton, Hill, Johnson, McLennan and Somervell -- our magazine publication with its own unique style.

Personally, the Bosque River Valley began calling to me in 2008. Spending most of my youth in the Middle East, the Far East and Africa as the son of a world-traveling Texas oil man, I finished high school in the Houston area, went to college in Austin, began my professional career in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and moved on to the Temple-Belton-Killeen-Copperas Cove area of Central Texas before finally settling down in Bosque County.

Crossing into three Texas regions -- the Cross Timbers, the Black Prairie and the Edwards Plateau -- the Bosque River Valley stands out as a natural watershed, with creeks and springs draining into the Bosque and Brazos Rivers where buffalo, elk and antelope once roamed in plentiful supply.

The Bosque River Valley remains largely rural today with an agricultural economy based in ranching representing the largest industry. The county may be rural, but it offers beautiful scenery and friendly people. From the cities to the tiny towns to the fields, it makes up the canvas to one of the most ideal regions with some of the best kept secrets in Texas.

With the BOSQUE RIVER RUN magazine, we hope to do something about that.

BRETT VOSS Publisher & Editor-In-Chief

BOSQUE RIVER RUN

Plus BAC’s Frazier Performance Hall

One Man Show

Meador: American Watercolorist

Smokin’ Hot Skills Meridian’s 30th Annual BBQ Cookoff

Publisher & Editor-In-Chief Brett Voss Associate Editor Simone Wichers-Voss Business Manager Joyce Riney Advertising Designer Alyson Stanley Contributing Writers Ashley Abel Ruth Crawford Bryan Davis Nathan Diebenow Debra Evans Andrea Hikel Paige Key Deb Phinney Simone Wichers-Voss Contributing Photographers Kelli Purcell Simone Wichers-Voss BOSQUE RIVER RUN is published quarterly

by Bosque County Publishing, LP., 310 West Fifth Street, Clifton Texas 76634-1611.

(254) 675-3336 NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: All editorial and advertising materials are copyrighted by Bosque County Publishing, LP. The entire content of each issue of the Bosque River Run is protected under the Federal Copyright Act. Reproduction of any portion of any edition will not be permitted without written permission from Bosque County Publishing.

Bosque River Run, as well as any reasonable derivative of this name, are trademarks of Bosque County Publishing, LP and use of these trademarks without the express written consent of Bosque County Publishing, LP is strictly prohibited.

ON THE COVER: The Bosque River Runs Through It

by Simone Wichers-Voss

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What Dreams May Becom article by

DEB PHINNEY

Bosque Arts Center showcases renovated Third Floor photographs by STEVE SCHMIDT & SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS

e

It’s been 35 years in the making, all the way from its original purpose as the old Clifton College auditorium down through the years as classroom, storage room, home for wayward birds, bats, and ghosts of events past. As the tallest building at the “top of the hill” with glorious views of the Bosque County’s rolling hills, the Third Floor at the Bosque Arts Center now has a renovated look and a new name, the Frazier Performance Hall.

The original dream of Joan Spieler is now realized in the renovation completion of this heralded third floor auditorium. From its inception and startup of the Capital Campaign to the final fundraising and construction completion, this magnificent venue is now ready to resume its former character and boast one of the best acoustical venues in Central Texas, maybe even Texas itself.

The Capital Campaign to raise funding for the renovation began in 2015 and spanned through the two-year term of Bosque Arts Center Board President Leanne Donner, and now the project reaches towards completion during the current board presidency of Virginia Richards.

“Remember the line in the movie Field of Dreams…if you build it they will come,” Richards said. “I feel that way about the Frazier Performance Hall.”

It is a beautiful facility that will provide a myriad of uses and bring more people from Central Texas to the Bosque Arts Center and Clifton.

The Capital Campaign committee, made up of Wally and Punky Penberthy, Bob and Marge Schafer, Rodney and Sandra Joy, BC and Leslie Bennett, Lee and Leanne Donner and Betty Murdoch, took pleasure in the fact that funding for this project came primarily from local individual private donors. Additional funding was received through grants from the Stillwater Foundation, Dodge Jones Foundation, Kickapoo Springs Foundation, Leggett Foundation, ExxonMobile Foundation, Mildren Family Foundation and The McAfee Family Foundation. At this time a decision is still pending from one final foundation grant submission. The Capital Campaign has now ended and over a million dollars was raised.

For many years, the wood floors were hidden

THEATRE by years of dust and dirt buildup, but were uncovered and refurbished during the renovation. The construction of the building itself was designed and built in 1923. Buck Thomason, Bosque Art Center member and volunteer project general manager for the Third Floor renovation, indicated some unique characteristics present on the third floor.

“The actual suspended floor is created with wood trusses built into the perimeter walls,” Thomason said. “This special floor construction is very unusual and remains structurally sound today.”

Once the flooring was cleaned and refinished by Trinitity Hardwoods out of the DFW area, the wood flooring thought to be mahogany, actually turned out to be pecan, another distinctive characteristic.

Frazier Performance Hall holds 296 cushioned seats in two sections and features a “T” shaped aisle setup. Most of the original seats were previously lost or destroyed, but an additional bank of 20 original hardwood chairs were refinished and utilized in the seating plan, bringing the total seating capacity to 316.

The chairs were purchased and installed through Preferred Seating of Indianapolis, Indiana. The installation of the current seats reflects almost exactly the placement of the original seating. When the building was originally used as an auditorium, this seating arrangement provided for orchestra pit spacing immediately in front of the stage. This particular feature is maintained in today’s seating floorplan.

The staging area features a room on either side. The room to the left features climate controlled storage for the antique Chickering Concert Grand Piano. This piano, built in 1929, compliments the era in which the building and auditorium were originally constructed. The room off the right features a comfortable setting as the “green room” for visiting performers. A special feature of the green room is the uniquely designed benefactor wall created and painted by Megan Morris. Additional furniture accents, by Jan Kieta Designs, round out the room.

Acoustics have always been a strong suit of the auditorium way before the use of microphones and electronics. Ken Dickensheets, internationally recognized acoustician and sound system designer from Austin, is responsible for the initial sound design of the third floor. He, in conjunction with Tyler Featherston, owner of Featherston Media from Waxahachie, combined their talents with Dave Taylor, Mizzen Marketing, Bosque Arts Center’s Steve Schmidt and Buck Thomason to create an exceptional

9

Program Director Deb Phinney arranges items in the “Green Room” backstage at the Frazier Performance Hall at the Bosque Arts Center in Clfton.

“Remember the line in the movie, Field of Dreams…if you build it they will come. I feel that way about the Frazier Performance Hall.”

VIRGINIA RICHARDS Bosque Arts Center Board President sound experience for visitors to Frazier Performance Hall.

Featherston implemented the electronic design created by Dickensheets as well as provided a number of additional pieces, including the Yamaha sound board, and many man-hours of installation labor. One main feature of the system is the ability to “aim” the sound so that it covers the audience evenly front to back and side to side, insuring the same level of musical enjoyment for every seated guest. Clockaudio provided the specialty microphones for optimal voice and musical reproduction and superior perfor-

BOSQUE RIVER RUN

mance.

The Frazier Performance Hall is one of the first performance venues in the U.S. featuring the Fohhn line arrays, which have earned a sparkling reputation in the concert halls of Europe.

Of special importance is the assistive listening system by Listen Technologies, allowing hearing-impaired users to tap into to the audio through their own listening devices.

People who require additional amplification without special hearing devices have access through ear speakers and ear buds.

Other subcontractors local and area wide providing renovations and construction services include Kettler Kilowatt for electrical, Clifton Heat and Air along with Boen Plumbing and Mechanical, Chadco Construction, LuRay Construction for stucco and masonry, AG’s Painting, Texas Scenic for stage lighting and Surmac for window installation Complete with a brand new facelift, this beautiful auditorium returned to it grandeur with the opening celebration event, Frazier Performance Hall presents the Show of Shows. A series of performances were held Sunday, Oct. 1 from 2 to 4 p.m., Tuesday evening, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. and Thursday evening, Oct. 5, 7 p.m. Each day the performances featured guest emcees: Clifton Mayor James

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THEATRE

Heid, motivational speaker Riney Jordan, and Bosque County Judge Don Pool. Each performance event lasted approximately an hour and featured a variety of local talent. On Sunday, Oct. 1, a reception was held in the Atrium after performances. These three days of music, dance and drama were free to the public and seats were available on a ďŹ rst-come-ďŹ rst-serve basis.

The Frazier Performance Hall brings a dynamic venue for events here in Central Texas, whether it be concerts, workshops, comedy, symposiums, drama or dance. In addition, rental of the facility will be available for interested parties. But regardless of the event, this facility brings a new dimension to Bosque County and its surrounding communities.

FALL 2017

BOSQUE RIVER RUN

“

We’ve seen a decrease in loneliness and an increase in social and physical activity.

This tells us we are on the right track.

”

Windmill Café gives older adults social enrichment

article by

ANDREA HIKEL

The health risks of prolonged isolation are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and 51 percent of people who are 75 or older live alone, according to the American Association of Retired People (AARP). If a strong support system isn’t available, these older adults could run the risk of experiencing dire physical, mental and emotional consequences that are commonly associated with isolation and loneliness.

Whether it’s due to the inability to drive, lack of assistance or low income, these older adults need a helping hand and access to the right resources.

Lutheran Sunset Ministries (LSM), a nonprofit retirement community providing the only full continuum of support in Bosque County, has long recognized the need for providing their residents with opportunities in the four key aspects of successful aging – intellectual, spiritual, mental and physical.

“Through our partnership with Masterpiece Living, a multi-specialty group who is committed to older adults aging in a better way, we’ve adopted the successful aging philosophy,” said Andrea Hikel, Rainbow Retirement Community manager. “Through our residents’ Lifestyle Reviews, we’ve seen a decrease in loneliness and an increase in social and physical activity. This tells us we are on the right track.”

With these stats in mind, LSM decided it was time to offer the same enriching opportunities they provide their residents to the community at large. After brainstorming, some research and visiting café’s with similar models, it was approved in 2016 by the Board of Directors to pursue the idea of the Windmill Café.

More than a café, Windmill will not only offer breakfast and lunch

025( 7+$

photographs by SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS

$1 $ &$)(

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LIFESTYLE

to the Clifton Community, but will offer programming for those who are 55 or better. This programming will include opportunities such as educational speakers, art classes, exercise classes, computer basics, health fairs and more.

“The opportunities are endless,” Hikel said. “If it’s a topic that older adults are interested in, we will try to incorporate it at some point in time. Suggestions are always welcome.”

In order to provide these interesting and enticing programs, Windmill Café has partnered with a fellow nonprofit, Enrich Seniors, who will have volunteers on sight to help lead programs and provide transportation for older adults in need in the Clifton community. Enrich Seniors is a nonprofit organization compassionately dedicated to improving the lives of seniors in our community through life-changing services and impactful programs. For more information on this organization, please visit enrichseniors.org.

The exercise classes by Leah Miles, currently offered in the adjoining room, will continue as scheduled and will be incorporated into the café programming schedule. For those unfamiliar with the classes, Mrs. Miles offers three convenient class times of 8 a.m. (advanced), 10 a.m. (intermediate) and 11 a.m. (post rehab). Anyone in the community is invited to attend.

Lunch will be a variety of salads and sandwiches with three daily lunch specials. Lunch specials will be on a convenient, predictable schedule, consisting of options such as chicken fried steak, meatloaf, tortilla soup, pork tenderloin, lobster pot pie, and so much more. And don’t forget a daily selection of house-made fried pies.

Windmill Café is excited to announce that local Chef Theresa Carrier will be their Dining Experience Manager. Mrs. Carrier has quite the following as she’s the former owner of Gourmet Grill, which was located in Clifton. She brings 30 years of experience to the table, as well as her well sought after recipes. Joining Chef Carrier will be

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Mildred Martinez, a fellow Clifton native with many years of food service experience. Mrs. Martinez will serve as the café’s dining experience assistant.

The Grand Opening of Windmill Café took place Sept. 18 from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Residents of Clifton and surrounding communities were invited to meet the staff, sample entrees, participate in programming and attend a ribbon cutting with the Clifton Chamber of Commerce.

As with other programs of Lutheran Sunset Ministries, volunteers will be an integral part of its operations. If you are interested in volunteering with front-of-the-house and/or back-of-the-house operations, please contact the LSM volunteer coordinator at 254-675-6785.

Hours of operation for Windmill Café will be Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., with lunch served 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The cafe plans to announce early dinner hours coming soon. Windmill Café is located at 1604 W. 9th St., Clifton. For more information, please call 254-675-2263, visit them on Facebook, or visit lutheransunset.org.

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LIFESTYLE

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Celebrating 30th Anniversary In Meridian article & photographs by

SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS

Cooking is chemistry, physics, technique and a little magic mixed in with the spices.

And that also applies when cooking the best possible barbecue. The chemistry is in the changes the protein goes through during the cooking process, and the interaction with the salt. The physics is in the way the smoker is built and the direct versus convection heat, the wetness of the wood; the technique is how the cook buys and prepares the meat, the type of hard wood used. And the tender loving care, magic and spices make all the difference in the world.

If you get all those aspects right, you might just win over the judges and win a barbecue competition.

Around 200 pit bosses and their crews are expected to be competing in the 30th annual National Championship Barbecue Cook-off Oct. 27-28 in Meridian, hoping for judges’ accolades, or the most popular vote in the People’s Choice. There are many NCBC veterans among the pit crews, but every year also sees many new crews to the prestigious, invitation-only

barbecue cook-off. To qualify for the NCBC cook-off, teams had to win at a sanctioned cook-off in 2016, so only the best-of-the-best grill masters were present.

Many who have been selected before are thrilled to return and the newcomers express their excitement to finally have the opportunity to enter the event. Word has gotten out that the friendly atmosphere, great location, level of competition and substantial cash prizes make Meridian’s NCBC a “must-go-to” event.

Harley Goerlitz from Giddings for example is a staple of the NCBC - he has only missed coming a couple of times. He now brings his daughter Susan Hosch, with new modern smokers. Goerlitz is accustomed to cooking in a 55-gallon oil drum get up, which earned him a place in the book “Legends of Texas Barbecue;” that, and probably his signature look: shorts and cowboy boots.

The cooking teams are not the only folks to get excited about the annual event. Inquiries have come in from as far away as Hawaii, New York and even Australia, all inquiring about the

18 cookoff. Barbecue-lovers from all over want to taste barbecue cooked by the very best in the business.

The first National Championship Barbecue Cookoff was held in 1987, hosted by the Meridian Chamber of Commerce. It was a huge success, so in 1988, the National Championship Barbecue Cookoff, Inc. was incorporated as a non-profit 501 (c) 3 with the sole purpose of promoting and supporting the communities of Bosque County through fundraising events for other non-profit and charitable organizations.

This event has allowed the organization to donate over $85,000 to various non-profit organizations from the proceeds of the NCBC activities.

The two 2017 beneficiaries are Camp John Marc, a Bosque County camp for children with chronic illnesses to come and enjoy activities with other children with the same illness, and Combat Marines Outdoors; a 501(C)3 based in Waco that provides dream hunts and outdoor adventures for severely wounded Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Navy Corpsmen.

Previous funds have been donated to the three Food banks of Bosque County, Meridian College Campus, Bosque County Fire Departments, Bosque County Child Protective Services, Meridian Public Library, many area Youth Groups and Organizations and Scottish Rite Hospital.

In 2002, the scholarship program began.

Since then, $43,000 has been awarded to Bosque County high school seniors for pursuing their higher education.

There are many interpretations worldwide of what barbecue really is, ranging from curing with smoke to grilling. Texas barbecue – as predominantly seen at the National Championship Barbecue cook-off - is a variation of Southern Barbecue, which is low and slow smoke-roasting in a steel closed pit, with indirect heat.

What most people in the Texas consider the quintessential barbecue was created in Central Texas meat markets and grocery stores owned by German and Czech immigrants. Whatever fresh meat they couldn’t sell, they would smoke and sell as “barbecue.“ During the 1800s, these pioneers made their way into settlements that formed a belt from Galveston and Houston to Kerrville and Hondo, bringing with them a style of meat-smoking from the old country that involved salt, pepper, meat and wood.

On talking to many barbecue chefs, the cooking style of choice at the NCBC was traditional Texas barbecue – the use of dry rub and low and slow cooking. No fancy

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EVENTS

Meridian hosts one of Texas’ largest barbecue cook-offs – the 30th Annual National Championship Barbecue Cook-off Oct. 27, featuring a parade, classic car show & carnival.

injections or marinades, just a few family secret ingredients here and there. And if you ever ask them about those secrets, they invariably say, “I could tell ya, but then I’d have ta kill ya.”

Low means cooking with temperatures ranging between 200-300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Most of the best barbecued ribs, pulled pork and briskets are cooked in this temperature range, minimizing shrinkage.

Cooking meat too hot, all fat in the meat will render out, leaving it dry and tough.

And slow means anything from two hours to 24 hours or more. The slow process keeps the moisture in the meat.

Brisket, the ultimate barbecue meat in Texas, is the fore shank of a cow. It has a lot of connective tissue and does not have much fat marbling. Because of this, brisket has a tendency to dry up and toughen if not cooked properly. Whereas the brisket is many a barbecue cook’s nemesis, it is most Texans favorite meat to prepare.

The ribs are fall-off-the-bone, sweet with a kick at the end. The brisket has bark, a smoke ring, glistening moist and not too

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spicy.

Only with the chicken were some crews a bit less conventional, brining the bird before hand, using some different spicing, or choosing shorter and hotter cooking.

Most pit masters will confirm that even though the fellowship and fun is the reason they participate in barbecue cook-offs, they also come to compete and win; not so much for the trophy and prize money, but primarily for the bragging rights.

Texans take their barbecue very seriously.

It’s not just food, it’s who they are. And it is predominantly a guy-thing; something to do with meat and manliness. They are the kings of the coals, sweating over the pits through the night in shifts, teary-eyed from the wood smoke, Lone Star beer in hand.

But of course there are always ladies that love a good challenge and try to beat the odds and the guys at their own game.

Like sports, barbecue invites lengthy discussions about the type of rig, the exact mixture of oak versus mesquite or hickory, the varying temperatures and cooking times, and the balance in the spices for the rub. And like in sports, competitive barbe-

EVENTS

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EVENTS

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While judges do the tasting at the 30th Annual National Championship Barbecue Cook-off Oct. 27 (left), DW Blues Band will perform.

cue pit masters participate in series of cook-offs, striving for the top awards at the large, prestigious events.

With the expense of good meat, spices and wood, someone once said, “A barbecue contest is the only place where you will spend $500 to get a $2 award plaque.” Not so at the NCBC. In total, more than $20,000 in prize money is awarded. The Grand Champion stands to win $6,000, reserve Grand Champion $2,250.

Cash prizes are given out to first through 10th place in each division. A First place prize for example is $750. And if the cookin’ ain’t what it should be, the best rig and best lay out also win prizes.

The type of pit, wood, marinades, spices, quality of meat and skill of the pit master are the ingredients that make up the best barbecue, food that should seduce with its aroma and succulence, tantalize the taste buds, and leave a hunger for more and more.

Any NCBC visitor can partake in such gustatory pleasure, either by being a competition judge or by voting in the “People’s Choice” award.

Tickets are purchased – for just 50 cents each - to sample BBQ or any type of food the participating teams choose to offer from all the teams participating in that category, which is usually about 75 teams. The teams can offer any type of food they want to in that category, so shrimp, jalapenos, corn, game and gumbo are on the table.

It takes lots of volunteers to have a successful big event, and it seems like the whole town of Meridian is helping out – at the ticket booth, with drinks stand, delivering ice, picking up People’s Choice tickets, helping at the judges tables, helping the music set up and so much more.

There are several “side dishes” surrounding the actual cookoff, like a parade at 10 a.m., live music at the pavilion throughout the day, a car show, arts and crafts booths, a wine-tasting tent, an amusement carnival with games and rides.

The live music line up for this year at the Bosque Bottoms Pavilion is: 11 a.m. Never2Late – a six-member all -women country and gospel band from the Weatherford area; 1 p.m. Brazos Tragedy – a four-member rock, blues, country and funk band from Glen Rose area; 3 p.m. DW Blues Band, a local three-member smooth blues, jazzy blues band.

“If you are looking for a great time, great food and great people, plan a trip to Meridian on Oct. 27,” event manager Kay Duke said.

“Come on down and have some of the best barbecue you have ever tasted.”

And come hell or high water, cooking goes on. In the early beginnings, the event was held in the blistering August heat – with people even bringing portable pools to cool off. Now, the October event has seen its own scala of weather conditions, from pleasant fall days to nights as “cold as a cast iron commode,” and literally high water. In 2015, the Bosque River rose to flood levels with upstream rain, rigs were evacuated due to flood peril. And some just went on cookin’ with rigs pulling their smokin’ smokers through town to higher ground.

So, no matter what weather, broken down to the bare elements, competition barbecue is all about a team, a smoker, a piece of meat and sometimes fanatical enthusiasm. The wood, the spices and the cooking method are given a lot of thought, but tender loving care is what gets the best results in the end. And finally, when the meat has to be cut across the grain, presented in all its perfect, glistening succulence on a pretty bed of green salad or parsley the product of hours of labor is brought to the judges. And even though they might be filled to the gills from other judging rounds, they should be tempted to dig in for a bite.

While winning is important to the pit crews, it is not as important as the fellowship they have through the night as cookers followed the creed: remain calm, feed the fire, and quit liftin’ the lid.

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FALL 2017

De Do Bosque Museum Executive Director Barbara Aars receives a generous donation by First State Security Bank of a 13-volume “Papers on the Robertson Colony.” Barbara Aars accepts the collection from Rodney Joy, while Sandra Joy (left), Tom Henderson (back left) and Robert Phillips look on.

Bosque Museum receives on the history of Robertson If you don’t believe that the formation of the great State of Texas was by Divine Intervention, I invite you to study early history of Texas. One of the best sources for this early history is “Papers Concerning Robertson Colony in Texas,” contained in a multiple of volumes. These books are chock-full of letters, documents, contracts, maps, deeds and stories of the earliest immigrants into the unknown vastness that became Texas.

Malcolm D. McLean, grandson of Sterling Clack Robertson was handed a box by his great aunt who told him these were the only remaining papers that survived the colony.

He spent years compiling them, and in 1974 Texas Christian University Press published his work. The Bosque Collection has the collection of historic papers through the generosity of Dr. William C. Pool, Jo Nell Meyer and Ronita De Cordova Miller.

And recently, another gracious donation by First State Security Bank’s Chief Executive Officer Rodney Joy will make these wonderful documents and pictures of our colorful past available at the Bosque Museum. Joy is a large preservationist of Texas history; his love of Texas is unequaled. His desire is to share this history, to make it available to everyone. Due

to the valuable nature of these books, they are for in-house research only.

By 1818, word had spread of possibilities of colonization of this mysterious land we now call Texas. Stories had passed around by survivors of the Philip Nolan Expedition, telling of rich and fertile land and plenty of wild game and water. The earliest settlements were between Nacogdoches and the Sabine, which was claimed by France, Spain and the United States, and along the Red River, which was claimed by Spain and the U.S. These areas were known as No Man’s Land.

By 1822, as many as forty petitions for colonies were sent to Mexico. Most were by dispatch since there was no mail service and the majority of them never made it to Mexico City.

Meanwhile back in Nashville, Tn, two hundred people formed the “Texas Association.” On March 2, 1822, a petition styled “Memorial to Independent Government of Mexico” was signed by the association - one of the signers being Sam Houston.

To ensure being considered, all members swore they had converted to the Catholic faith.

Robert Leftwich was named agent for the group and set off for Mexico with the petition.

photographs by SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS

sired onation article by

RUTH CRAWFORD

13-volume collection n Colony from FSSB

A map of the early Robertson Colony in Central Texas, which spans most of present day Bosque County (above); Sterling Clack Robertson (1785-1842) introduced into Texas more than 600 families prior to the outset of the Texas revolution (far right).

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HISTORY It should be noted that the times in Mexico were unsettling, to say the least. They had just won their independence from Spain, and were in the middle of establishing a government of their own. Many power struggles abounded, and many promises were made, that could be easily broken.

A determined Leftwich spent three years in Mexico presenting his petition six times. On April 25, 1825, the petition was approved and a contract was issued to the Leftwich Colony. The officials had dealt with Leftwich so much they failed to mention the Texas Association.

When Leftwich arrived back in Nashville he informed the association that they owed him $10,000 for the three years in Mexico. They offered him $8,000 and hence on the group was known as the Leftwich Colony. Leftwich also mentioned he promised he would bring 600 colonists to populate the colony.

It was quite the process to get the colony moving; many had lost interest after such a long period of time, and now 400 more settlers had to be found. Dr. Felix Robertson, a prominent Nashville physician began advertising in newspapers in Tennessee and neighboring states.

One question sent back to Mexico was about the need of passports.

First the Mexican government said no, then they said yes, making for additional paperwork.

Surveyors were named, which brought up another question of measurement units and the conversion of them. Tennessee used the unit chains; lower gulf states used the French measurement of rods.

Making it even more confusing Mexico responded they used varas, which is today’s 33.33 geometric inches. The surveyors came up with an interesting solution for this: on a cool fall morning, they measured a fast horse’s gait span and that would equal a vara - which would make you wonder about how clear a land title would be.

Additionally, when in Texas, Leftwich ran into many other legal difficulties, which eventually led to the the ownership of the colony being headed by Sterling Clack Robertson. He was a War of 1842 veteran, and an established businessman in Nashville. So the colony passed from Texas Association to Leftwich to Robertson.

Robertson and Stephen F. Austin were in a race to claim Cow Creek, which rises in Burnett County and drains into the Colorado River.

This and other boundary disputes led to a legal battle between the two impresarios, with Robertson maintaining a large portion of land, as shown on the map.

Colonists were issued head-right grants according to the number of family members and the locations were determined by lottery. The first nine grants issued in Bosque Territory were along the Brazos River: Miguel Rabajo, 1834; George Chapman, 1835; Mary Cole, 1835; Ann Wheelock, 1835; Ennis Hardin, 1835; William Shepherd, 1835; Sarah Hensley, 1835; James Steele, 1835. You can view the original documents issued by the Mexican government at www.glo.texas.gov.

Click “History,” then “Land Grant Search.” At the dropdown box click Bosque County, then enter one through nine for the abstract number.

Most of these were granted land, and the deed holders would never set foot on the soil they owned. Only Ann Wheelock came and lived in Bosque County, but not until many years later.

Ann was married to George Woodrow Wheelock who lost his life during the Texas Revolution. She then married Jesse Walling who fought during the Revolution and also served as an early ranger. He had received land in East Texas, but sometime after Bosque County was formed he sent his eldest son to scope out Ann’s land grant. Plans were made and Ann and some of the children made the trip to Bosque County. Jesse was to come after final business matters were taken care of, but sadly he died before making it to their new homestead.

Ann sold most of her grant and she also donated land for a school and church. The area they lived on became known as Walling Bend.

When Lake Whitney was created the Walling Bend Cemetery was

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moved to Whitney, and that is where these two early Texas pioneers rest.

Two other head-right grants were issued for service during the Battle of San Jacinto to men who lived and died in Bosque County -John J. Jacob and Roden T. Crane.

If you are familiar with a survey map of the county, some of the following names may sound familiar - all were colonists in Robertson Colony: Anson Darneill, surveyor who rode with George Erath; Frances Duffau, one of the early officials in Robertson Colony; J.C. Pool, early ranger and father of Tom M. Pool; William H. King, surveyor who rode with George Erath - Meridian and Clifton are both in W. H. King survey; Frederick Neibling, early official of the colony; Isreal Patching; and Lowery Scrutchfield, who became first county judge for Bosque.

As a young lad in the colony, Scrutchfield hung out with men like his step-brother John Pool and George Erath. These men had been appointed as Texas Rangers - they were both Indian fighters and surveyors. Erath took young Scrutchfield under his wing and taught him many skills imperative to survival in the virgin land.

After Texas won its independence from Mexico, there were no more impresarios and the colonies were broken up into districts and then counties. Milam District for example extended from Milam County up to Possom Kingdom.

Much more can be read about the struggles of this early colony in the Robertson Colony papers. My imagination runs wild when thinking what these people experienced, what would urge someone to pick up and move - not just to another town or even state, but a different country, and to convert from their faith to ensure survival.

The only “roads” in Texas at the time, the Old San Antonio Road and La Bahia Road , were not much more than rough-cut foot paths. And one can only imagine what it was like in the brush.

And the entire third volume of the colony encyclopedia deals with nothing but Indian troubles. Still, the pioneers established towns, prospered with farms and ranches, fought off Indians and civilized a wild land, just in time to be embroiled in one of the notorious victories for independence in history.

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American Water RANDY MEADOR: One Man Show article & photographs by

SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS

colorist Longing for altitude is a painting both deceptive and clear-cut at the same time. It is a WWII Mustang’s engine, catching the light on its polished surface. So what, you might say? Until you realize it is a water color painting.

Watercolor lines could never be that crisp; watercolor could never depict the hardness of shiny metal that way; watercolor is all about pastels, not nearly mono-chromatic like this. The engine simultaneously shows strength and elegance, effortlessly combining industrial form with beauty. A beguiling deception. Other examples of this “trickery” are Palomino Pride and Poco Palomino - the detailing and crispness unusual for watercolor paintings.

And who is responsible for these delightful surprises? American watercolorist Randy Meador – a self-taught artist, as multifaceted as his paintings, and frankly, his life.

You might mistake him to be a bit of a city slicker with his Buddy Holly turn-up jeans, his cowboy hat, his neck bandana and bracelets. His unconventional cowboy look is not an image, but comes from his “rocks and rattlesnakes” youth in a small Texas town, where his father owned and ran the five-and-dime. His jeans are truly worn, not distressed and his cowboy hat is truly sweat-stained.

Meador seems to play the “opposites” game – he is passionate, yet pragmatic. He is persistent in his pursuit of perfection in his painting, but the end result is still dynamic and “organic.” On one hand, he is extremely humble and appreciative of acclaim, but understands the fickle nature of the market, and understands his own worth as an artist.

He says he wanted at least four lives. He wanted to be a musician, an author, a public speaker and an artist. Oh, and a baseball player.

“But I didn’t do any of those things,” Meador said explaining how he became a marketer after college instead of entering the realm of creative pursuits. He did do

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“If I had studied art at college, I would never paint like I do today.

All I want is vibrancy; to capture the vibrancy through the medium of watercolor.”

RANDY MEADOR

some public speaking on his trade. After all, his practical side said, “who makes any money painting?”

He should have known though, that his creative side would not be silenced, and that creating and building businesses would not be enough.

Many years later, thanks to a conversation with his eldest daughter Laura on career choices, he understood what he should have done right from the start. Laura is an extremely gifted artist , “the best artist I know,” according to Meador. Her drive, though, was not to become an artist, but to help people. And for her, art would only be relevant if it was used to help people. She understood her inner needs better than Meador ever could at her age. He had suppressed them to the point of making the drastic, life-changing decision later on.

Meador says he owes his art career to former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who had said, “When I paint, nothing else exists.” And Meador wanted desperately to go there, regularly, and escape the marketing world he had worked and was successful in for so many years.

So in 1991, Meador folded his business and began painting in earnest.

“It was an irresponsible decision, that I don’t wish on anybody,” Meador said. “I fired clients from one day to the next, got sued, had no income.”

But now, instead of advising his five children to have a sensible backup plan, he encourages them to do what makes them happy, to do what comes from the heart. Because in the end, even if you do it for free, it will give you more energy and satisfaction than any well-paid job could give you.

At the start of his art career, Meador studied works of the best watercolor artists, learning from examples of the greats like Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, and Paul Cezanne. Afterwards, he just made notes of everything that did and did

Randy Meador at the BAC teaching a sold out watercolor workshop.

not work and developed his unconventional technique and color palette. He likes impressionistic bold color contrasts – lapis blue against golden brown, or cerulean blue against sunflower yellow. As for his general philosophy in painting, Meador tries to paint as realistically as possible, with as few strokes as possible. Water color will form you that way, because the more strokes there, the more chances of messing it up.

“If I had studied art at college, I would never paint like I do today,” said Meador, knowing too much official technique would be constraining on the creative process he feels. “All I want is vibrancy; to capture the vibrancy through the medium of watercolor.”

As time evolves, Meador concentrates less on the portraiture and more on translating emotions into the work, as seen in “Tight Rein,” the piece that won the 2016 John Stephen Jones Award at the prestigious Bosque Art Classic.

This more unfiltered emotion is never jarring or uncomfortable, but alive, full of contrast and always aesthetic.

But he has always leaned towards art depicting the western lifestyle with cowboys, horses, cattle and all the attributes that come with it.

Back in his marketing days, he did get to fulfill one of his preferred lives a bit, as a

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public speaker, speaking on latent markets.

Now, he speaks to students at this watercolor workshops, throwing “Randyisms” at them like: “forget reality – what color is ‘your’ sky going to be?” telling his students to work solely from black and white source images in order to let the student’s imaginations take over. Meador encourages them to “study it, trust your eye, decide, do it. And then do it all over again…. and again. Or “everybody is so afraid of screwing up, so why not start by screwing it up, intentionally?” This is a true exercise in letting go and building confidence.

Once again, do not be deceived by the playfulness of his teachings. Meador’s paintings never came easy; sometimes more like a battle, driving away his insecurities by doing his absolute best.

In his acceptance speech on winning the 2016 John Steven Jones award at the Bosque Arts Center Classic, Meador pointed out that two encounters with cancer and a near-death experience changed him, allowing him the gift to play with his art again. He left his worries behind and tried something new.

Instead of swimming against the current, he feels like he’s finally swimming with the stream.

Lately, Meador is concentrating on oils.

He calls it “cheating,” maybe because watercolor leaves no room for error, no chance

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ART

to correct a stroke. Oils are a tive years and has conducted little more forgiving. popular watercolor workIn the fall of 2016, shops at the BAC for four Meador attended his years. first-ever workshop by other He returns to the BAC artists – a plein-air workwith these and similar shop by Bosque County pieces will be shown during locals and Cowboy Artists a Meador One-Man Show of America – Bruce Greene and Sale December 1-9, and Martin Grelle. That 2017. day would offer inspiraThe show will be on tion for his latest “yellow display during regular BAC slicker” series with distinctly hours – Monday through western roots, with names Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. like “Headin’ Home” – a and during the special open cowboy walking away with house hours of the Norwehis saddle on his shoulder, gian Country Christmas the light catching his slicker weekend Friday Dec. 1 from and “Good Boy” – all about 6:30 – 9 p.m. and Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.. the cowboy and his canine Randy Meador in his new hometown St. Jo Texas.

The show will close with a side kick. private reception on DecemIncidentally, there is also a “Headin’ Home” in water color, with the cowboy facing the viewer ber 9 prior to the BAC Art Patrons’ Christmas party.

Meador himself speaks openly about his insecurities and emo– a whole different view, a whole different medium, and a whole different name “New Day, New Mount” – it was one of the 25 tions.

U.S. paintings represented in the Fabriano Watercolour Show in “People are afraid to expose their weaknesses and vulnerabiliItaly this year. ties,” Meador said. “But I’ve learned it opens more doors, leading with flaws.”

Each year the historic Italian town of Fabriano holds a presOne of those doors is a planned P.B.S. television series, in which tigious international artistic exhibition dedicated to watercolor Meador using his ability to get to the heart of things by asking painting, called Fabriano In Acquarello. For four weeks in spring, the birthplace of Fabriano watercolor paper, is transformed into an questions, helping individuals find things that motivate them, international art gallery, with exhibitions throughout the town in saying “this is the day when you start living.” museums, libraries, opera houses, and churches.

He is the motivational force, helping them find their lives’ lesThat picture again presents an elusion – the watercolor makes sons and wisdoms and grow from them. the slicker is nearly transparent with the dawn sunlight comAs for his “other” lives, he still wants to write. But in the meaning through it, whereas from a distance the grass the cowboy is time, he and his wife are moving to a new home in St. Jo – to an walking on is just grass, but on closer inspection seems to be a ancestral home, known as the “Meador House.” And, if he’s not play on modern graphic fabric design giving the piece a whole new painting, giving workshops or recording, he also has taken on the dimension. grateful role of being granddad, watching old TV shows with his Meador was an accepted artist in the Classic for eight consecugrandson, or just enjoying riding the tractor together.

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that personal journey, the most “Along important thing an aspiring writer needs is validation. The writer needs to get positive feedback that he or she is on the right path.

”

TEXAS Troubadour Carl Hutchens, the 2014 Texas Troubadour winner, likens songwriting to a personal journey.

“Along that personal journey,” Hutchens said, “the most important thing an aspiring writer needs is validation. The writer needs to get positive feedback that he or she is on the right path.”

Now in its fifth year, the Texas Troubadour Songwriter Classic at the Bosque Arts Center strives to do just that—for the young gun with fresh dreams or the retiree dusting off some old ones. By giving contestants a validating moment in the spotlight, the BAC hopes to inspire all songwriters to keep pursuing their dreams.

Modeled after the successful Bosque Art Classic, a renowned national art competition, the Texas Troubadour was created by the Center to foster one of the performing arts: country music songwriting. The BAC set out to do it by hiring venerable singer/ songwriters to serve both as judges and performers for a live contest.

Ten finalists chosen from digital submissions perform their original songs before a packed house and a celebrity judge, who then announces the winners and tops off the evening with a long set of his or her own.

This year, Eddy Raven and Frank Myers will serve in the position occupied in the first four years by Red Steagall, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Hal Ketchum, Suzy Bogguss, and Doug Crider.

As a songwriting team, Raven and Myers have written and recorded such country hits as “I Got Mexico,” “Bayou Boys,” “You Should’ve Been Gone By Now,” and “Sometimes A Lady.” Each

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article & photographs by

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DEBRA EVANS

also has written blockbuster hits recorded by other artists. Raven’s song “Thank God for Kids” became a huge hit for the Oak Ridge Boys in the ‘80s; Myers wrote the mega-hit “You and I” recorded by Eddie Rabbit and Crystal Gayle and co-wrote “I Swear,” a number one country song for John Michael Montgomery and number one pop song for All-4-One. Raven has 30 ASCAP songwriting awards, seven #1’s, and fourteen Top 10’s to his credit, while Myers has garnered awards from ASCAP, the Country Music Association, Association of Country Music and the Grammys, to name a few.

Each is very familiar with the particular journey of the troubadour, making them perfect judges for the contestants who will appear before them.

“The next great songwriter will come from somewhere in the small towns and cities of America, not Nashville,” Raven says. “They usually move to Nashville after they start to have success and have learned their craft at home. I am looking forward to hearing some of the new undiscovered talent that is waiting for a shot at being successful.”

The BAC feels it has been very lucky in that all the past judges have been more than considerate to the performers, which is confirmed by feedback from contestants.

“The Texas Troubadour…is a wonderfully produced, high quality platform to share one’s music, in a very supportive atmosphere,” the former winner Hutchens said. “The staff makes every participant feel welcome and the audience

Carl Hutchens, winner of the Texas Troubadour and People’s Choice awards in 2014, returned to the BAC in July to open for Larry Gatlin (above); Troubadour contestants are allowed to bring an accompanist to provide extra instrumentation or background vocals; 2016 People’s Choice Award winner Phillip Wildman enlisted daughter Cara, an accomplished musician with multiple degrees in music (below right); Recording artist Eddy Raven will judge and perform at the 2017 Texas Troubadour Songwriter Classic (below right); Frank J. Myers will judge and perform with Eddy Raven (far left).

5TH ANNUAL TEXAS TROUBADOUR SONGWRITER CLASSIC: Fostering the Art of Songwriting at the Bosque Art Center

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MUSIC

Texas Troubadour of the Year John Swantner singing about his sister’s recovery from stage 4 breast cancer with his song titled: `She is Tough Enough to Wear Pink’ (above); Bosque County’s own Ericka Knudson performed last year (right).

is exceptionally supportive and discerning. These are flat out good people who organize the event and visiting with the attendees is like re-uniting with old friends.”

Phillip Wildman, winner of the People’s Choice Award at last year’s Troubadour and a returning finalist in this year’s contest, has a similar perspective.

“I had always played with a band and played songs that everyone knew. It was a two-step outside my comfort zone, playing bandless and playing MY songs,” Wildman said. “My songs show what›s deep inside me and I›m not comfortable showing that. But the accepting, maybe nurturing, listening room atmosphere at the Bosque Arts competition was delightful.”

“The Troubadour competition is not really about competition at all,” said Steve Schmidt, sound and light engineer for the Bosque Arts Center and member of the Troubadour technical crew. “Not about first place or second place but rather about performance.

“Performance is everything.”

Schmidt says a songwriter can sit at home on the couch and be pleased with his songs “but sharing the music through performance is the real point…the reason you work so hard at polishing your songs. Performance is what shares your passion with others.

“Performance is the ultimate goal, the final step in the long creative process, and it is vitally important to find ways and places to perform.”

Another goal of the Troubadour, in addition to giving songwriters the chance to appear at the contest, was to hire the winners and crowd favorites to return and perform for other concerts. The first

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Troubadour winner, Stoney Gabel, opened for Johnny Lee in 2016.

Last year’s winner, John Swantner, opened for Ray Wylie Hubbard in April. Hutchens returned this summer to open for Larry Gatlin.

“It was a complete honor,” Hutchens said. “Moreover, I was thrilled to be invited back to the Arts Center to share my music as a featured performer. I think the Bosque Arts Center is doing remarkable things in support of the arts in general and I truly felt like I was going home when I made the trek up from Austin to Clifton.”

Wildman was invited back to the BAC in December to open for his musical heroes, Riders In the Sky, and says all his experiences in Clifton have helped his future songwriting and performances “because I now am less inhibited about how my music will be critiqued.

“Troubadour is a perfect place for old and new writers,” Wildman said, “because the people and atmosphere are so, so artistic-friendly.”

Ericka Knudson, another performer in the 2016 Troubadour who will be returning as a finalist in this year’s contest, offers yet another positive view.

“One of the best parts was getting to meet and hang out with such talented, nice and fun people that day,” Knudson said. “It felt a lot more like a celebration of music and songwriting than a contest.”

That feedback served as music to the ears of the staff and organizers of the Troubadour.

Red Steagall, judge of the inaugural event, captured the essence of what the BAC had hoped performers would take away from the contest. Before announcing the winners that night in 2013, Steagall lauded all the contestants.

“Each one of them in their own way presented an art form that’s

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unique to themselves, unique to their ability to write, and unique to their ability to perform.

“And just because we judged them and we have one winner doesn’t mean that the rest of them are not winners,” Steagall continued.

“Because they took the initiative to appear on this stage and do their dead-level best tonight to entertain you.”

Steagall asked for one final round of applause for them and concluded: “I hope they continue to work and realize their dreams by becoming performers and songwriters.”

The Fifth Annual Texas Troubadour headlined by Eddy Raven and Frank Myers takes place at 5 p.m. Saturday, October 28, at the Bosque Arts Center in Clifton. Top ten finalists for the event include returning award winners Bill Sibley of Cleburne and Phillip Wildman of Dorchester, returning finalists Gary Anderson of Walnut Springs, Ericka Knudson of Meridian, and Michelle Canning of North Andover, Massachussetts, along with newcomers Richard Paul Thomas of Salado, Brian Barrett of Meridian, Adam Hull of Mineral Wells, Prag Padilla of Prosper, and Stephanie Ryman of Dallas.

Tickets for the concert have been on sale since Monday, September 25, and may be purchased online at www.BosqueArtsCenter.org or by calling (254)675-3724.

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What’s in a name? Certainly, that which we call sixman football by any other name would smell as sweet.

Beginning three years ago, the braintrust at the University Interscholastic League decided the smallest schools in Texas should be simply referred to as Class 1A schools. New name or not, it’s still six-man football. And in Bosque County, like many other rural counties in Texas, six-man football rules under the Friday night lights.

It’s been over 100 years since Bosque County witnessed high school football teams step onto the gridiron to play a game for the first time. And granted,

it was a far cry from the action under the Friday night lights we have all become acccustomed to during our lifetimes. But without a doubt, those first games played in the early 1900s laid the groundwork for the traditions that followed.

After Meridian College opened its doors for the first time on Sept. 20, 1914, it fielded a football team that very first fall, taking on the likes of the Baylor University freshmen.

While colleges around Texas began playing football as early as 1893, it wasn’t until the early 1900s that high school teams began to spring up. But stagger-

IN BOSQUE COUNTY article by

BRETT VOSS

Six-Man Football Remains Lifeforce In Small Town Texas photographs by SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS

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Fans line the chain-linked fence during six-man football homecoming night in Iredell.

ing travel complications and little or no equipment forced most of the fledging high school teams to play nearby schools two or three times in a single season, or take on local make-shift teams or small college teams.

Such proved to be the case in Bosque County. With Meridian College looking for opponents and trying to stay close to home, they put together a secondary team called the Meridian College Scrubs to take on any of the local high schools brave enough to field a team.

In 1915, Walnut Springs High School did just that, and in 1916, Meridian High School followed suit to play just one game against the Meridian College Scrubs.

Clifton fielded its first football team in 1918, playing just two games but winning both, blanking Valley Mills, 25-0, before crushing Meridian, 48-0.

Although many things have changed since those humble beginnings, the excitement of six-man football has remained the same since its inception. When two teams can combine for nearly 200 points, you know things can get real crazy, real quick.

And in Bosque County, five of the area’s eight high schools play six-man football.

Developed by Nebraskan Stephen Epler at Chester High School in 1934, Six-man football provided an alternative means for small high schools to field a football team during the Great Depression.

The first six-man game played in Texas

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where the sport is highly popular, especially in small West Texas high schools that lack enough players for the 11-man version was on September 29, 1936 between Sylvester High School and Dowell High School at the high school football field in Rotan.

In 1938, Prairie Lea High took on Martindale High School in a six-man football game played as a demonstration game to see if the Texas UIL would adopt it as a sanctioned sport, which they did. By that spring, about 55 schools were playing the game. This number had doubled by 1939.

As of the 2012–2014 alignments from UIL, TAPPS, and T-CAL, Texas fields 234 six-man football teams, 71 in UIL Class 1A, Division I, 67 in UIL Class 1A, Division II, 57 in TAPPS and 39 in T-CAL. And this does even not count schools in other high school leagues, or schools playing “outlaw schedules” -- schools whose enrollment is too large to play six-man football in a league-sanctioned district, but nevertheless continue to organize a six-man team as opposed to an 11-man team.

Everyone knows football rules in Texas.

Even in the smallest of towns, football remains a way of life. Some small towns struggling to survive and keep its schools open rally around its six-man football team.

So what makes six-man football different from 11-man football?

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First of all, six-man is played on a smaller field -- 80 yards long instead of 100, 40 yards wide instead of 50 -- in a smaller amount of time with 10-minute quarters. All six players are eligible to run or catch the ball. There must be two exchanges instead of simply the snap from center, meaning the back who receives the snap can’t run beyond the line of scrimmage.

The distance for making a first down is 15 yards. Point after touchdown (PAT) kicks are worth two points while running or passing is worth one. Field goals are worth four points, but neither field goal attempts nor punts are terribly common. Onside kicks, which must cover 15 yards to be recovered by the kicking team, are commonly used since kickoff returns can turn into touchdowns with one or two solid blocks.

While some rosters can get larger, there’s usually a core of seven or eight players who play most of the game on offense and defense.

Six-man has built a small but loyal following, attracted to six-man by the high scoring and the character of the people who played and followed it.

Indeed, the amount of open space often results in plays that appear to be stopped for short gains turning into long touchdown runs when a ball carrier eludes a tackle and reverses to the unoccupied side of the field.

The offenses six-man and 11-man teams ran weren’t always that different. Back in the 60s and 70s, 11-man football was very runheavy with formations like the Wishbone, Pro and Wing T. Now, not so much.

While 11-man seems to be moving on, six-man teams continue to stick to an offense centered around running the football. Many coaches like to run a lot of tight sets that include unbalanced or stacked lines in order keep hammering the ball downfield and

creating more space. That in turn helped six-man football gain the reputation of being able to play very quickly.

The offensive play count for a six-man game is drastically lower than that of an 11-man game. Some 11-man teams will total an offensive play count in the high 60s or low 70s where a six-man team would have less than 20. That is because a lot of the time, six-man scoring will happen on kickoff returns, punt returns or have one play drives.

Also, 11-man will always play four quarters of football. Six-man you won’t because they will shut it down at halftime.

Playing defense in six-man consists of a lot of man-to-man coverage. Even though the field is 20 yards shorter, each defender still has a good amount of space to cover. If a running back gets loose then one defender has the responsibility to take him down or it’s six points. In 11-man football, it’s more of a case of each defender covering his assigned area.

One thing six-man football is known for across the state and the nation are high-scoring games. It is not out of the ordinary for teams to score 50-60 points a game.

Consequently, six-man football also holds a mercy rule where if one side is up by 45 points then the game is called at halftime.

Coaches and players alike are big fans of the 45-point mercy rule on account of injury prevention and not wanting to get beat by an absurd amount of points.

While six-man and 11-man seem further apart than they actually are, the two are to this day playing its part to further promote the game of football in a state that thrives on what happens on the gridiron every Texas Friday night in the fall.

So, what’s in a name? The UIL may not call it six-man football any more, but by any other name it will still be as sweet to watch.

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article by

NATHAN DIEBENOW photographs by SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS

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Music and historic informatin during the Norwegian Christmas Tour at the St. Olaf’s Kirke in Norse.

So, your fair lady discovered Clifton and has suggested you and she go on the Norwegian Country Christmas Tour together this year. Congratulations! You’re about to embark on a road trip only a few elite red-blooded American men have dared take. You’ll need to keep your wits about you – being her chauffeur, her concierge, and her chaperon – all day long.

But what’s new?

Well, here’s the 411 that will not only make the journey more epic for you, but also make you sparkle in her eyes.

The background of how descendants of vikings came to settle this stretch of valley prairie in north central Texas is quite fascinating. The short version is: In the 1800s, Norway yielded a third of its already tiny population to immigration to the United States. The Nordics’ “American Fever” had multiple causes – from economic security to religious liberty. At the turn of last century, Norse, Texas, was home to the largest enclave of Norwegians this side of the Mississippi River, thanks to early leaders like Cleng Peerson.

On the 200th anniversary of the birth of this “Father of Norwegian Immigration to America,” the then king of Norway – Olaf V – honored him at his gravesite in the Norse Historic District.

Truth be told, the 26th Annual Norwegian Country Christmas Tour has got some really cool things for us guys. Yes, you’ll be driving on the winding roads up and down hills through south west Bosque County. But the countryside is picturesque, and you’ll be in control of your roller coaster ride. Yes, you’ll be hustling for food in unfamiliar territory.

But just ask and you shall receive delicious dishes. Think of “lefse” as

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44 “Norwegian tortillas.” Yes, you’ll even be pulled into a museum or two and an artist’s studio to boot. But before you know it, you’ll be bragging to your crew – on and off social media – about all the sweet experiences you collected.

More importantly, you’ll be making awesome memories with your wonderful woman. Don’t mess up this opportunity, men!

Actually, we won’t let you. There’s plenty of wins to be had in and around “the Norwegian Capital of Texas” on the first Saturday in December. Listen up! This whole NCC tour experience is a cross between “Texas Country Reporter” and “Fixer Upper” with a dash of “MTV Cribs” smothered in gravy butter over lutefisk. Yum! The first things first. Keep your wheels in mind. When you’re not scraping insects off your windshield, you’ll wish you had rented a half-ton 4x4 truck high off the ground with heavy cattleguards to protect you and your honey from the warm-blooded wildlife that tra-la-la across Texas rural highways.

Yeah, we got Bambi, Thumper, Flower and Rocket Raccoon. But be on the lookout for Porky’s feral cousins. Hit one of them wild boars and you’ll instantly understand why the locals drive tricked-out SUVs out here. Ditch the Prius, and surrender to your inner Bob “Bigfoot” Chandler.

Speaking about the locals, be cool to them, and they’ll be cool to you. You are their guests, and they’re a lot like you.

Chances are you’re a suburbanite. Well, they are, too. Remember: If your swagger wagon gets caught in the mud, the locals will hoist you out, or help you find someone with the right equipment for the job. And if you should ram a feral hog into eternity, some experienced hunter and his pastor are bound to turn it into sausage for you if you call it to appropriate attention. That’s how we Texans roll every day – not just when a hurricane or a tornado swings by making drama for Dr. Doom’s television cameras.

To get your general bearings though, stop by the Clifton Chamber of Commerce.

They have free guidebooks with maps of the town and country. In fact, the chamber will be happy to show you where the prime places to eat, drink and bed are. You’ll need to pick up your tickets for the self-guided tour of homes there, by the way, on Saturday.

It’s a good idea to arrive early to get the lay of the land in Clifton. Treat yourselves to a long weekend. Why not? Your lucky lady will love how cute historic downtown Clifton is. It may be a small block, but it’s jam-packed with things to do, see, and selfie. She could spend all Friday morning

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Bosque Museum by candlelight draws many after the Christmas Parade that kicks off WKH 1RUZHJLDQ &KULVWPDV 7RXU LQ &OLIWRQ RQ WKH ÀUVW 6DWXUGD\ LQ 'HFHPEHU

browsing through the shops searching for the perfect Christmas gifts. Plus, it’ll give you time to scope out where to stand during the Lighted Christmas Parade here in the evening to maximize your candy intake. Hint: The parade starts on the north of West Third Street on North Avenue D and travels south.

Afterwords, hit up the Bosque Museum for their candlelight reception and the Bosque Arts Center for the opening of their Christmas Expo, which will continue all day Saturday with performances, art sales, a quilt show, and Santa. Both venues are block from each other on West Ninth Street on the College Hill.

All throughout Saturday, you may have yourself a European-style Christmas market experience shopping for homemade candies and artisan crafts in Heritage Village at the Armory in Clifton City Park.

However, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., you must treat your taste buds to authentic Norwegian cuisine at a luncheon at the Clifton Civic Center. Once you full up and snag your guidebooks and tickets at

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the chamber, the home tour in the Norse District is your oyster.

As you travel along our county roads, imagine grass as tall as a monster truck’s tires, and hundreds – if not thousands – of buffalo bison chomping away on the expansive prairie. That was the scene back when the Native Americans lived in the Bosque Valley prior to Spanish-European contact. The first Norwegian-Texans also came in contact with native peoples – both friendly and not-so-friendly. You can read up on local Norseman Ole Nystel’s account of his capture and subsequent liberation from Comanches. His book is available at the Bosque Museum.

On the tour of homes, be sure to check out the studio of Martin Grelle, a member and past president of the Cowboy Artist of America. This is where he makes most – if not all – his works of fine cowboy heritage art, many paintings of which hang in such galleries as the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, included in invitational exhibitions and sales like The Masters at the Autry

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Museum in Los Angeles, the Quest for the West at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, the Coeur d’Alene Auction, and the Jackson Hole Art Auction, and featured in Southwest Art magazine, Western Art Collector, and Art of the West, just to name a few publications.

There are quite a few sacred spaces on this tour, all of which have unique stories and architectural features worth exploring the entire day. Built in the 1850s, the Ringness House was the site of the first Lutheran church service in Bosque County. Once inside, you’ll be amazed at its condition considering that the entire structure was moved stone-by-stone board-by-board to its present site and restored accordingly. The house is currently a museum and meeting space for the local chapter of the Norwegian Society of Texas.

The “Mother Church” of the Norse community, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at Norse was organized in 1869 and has experienced several enlargements and renovations through the decades, including its brick exterior, stained-glass windows, and entire parish hall. It wasn’t until 1941 when the church and parsonage were wired for electricity. In 1951, running water was finally piped to the church property. Its cemetery is the final resting place for Cleng Peerson, whose importance to Norwegian-American-Texan history was noted earlier. His grave stone can easily be spotted as it is among the tallest within the hallowed meadow.

Since 1886, St. Olaf ’s Kirke (aka The Rock Church) at Norse has remained at its spot, oriented to provide free natural air conditioning for worshipers in the days of “original green” technology.

With the sun lower on the horizon in winter, the congregation would heat the limestone-walled sanctuary with a wood-burning furnace still present to the left of the beautiful wooden alter. Today, the church building overlooking the Meridian Creek Valley is

mainly used for weddings and other special services throughout the liturgical season. During the tour, musical performances will showcase its awesome pre-electric acoustics.

For St. Olaf ’s Lutheran Church in Cranfills Gap, it’s a special year as the congregation celebrates its three-story worship center’s 100th anniversary. The brick structure itself is the largest Lutheran church in rural Texas built, as the congregation relocated from The Rock Church to the Gap for reasons of convenience for those members living in town. In 1919, the total number of church members topped at 693. Since it’s also the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation this year, this entire tour experience will be even more unique – framed in even more special ways for people of faith.

After you’ve soaked it all in, wind down with your sweet darling in historic downtown Clifton. Horse-drawn carriages will be available for romantic rides. There will also be live performances and more dinner and drink opportunities.

Norwegians in drama with Comanches in the Old West. European royalty visiting a peasant’s grave in modern-day Texas. Painters of fine art inspired by natural realism, authenticity, and earnestness in cowboy culture. Buildings made with native materials in harmony with their surrounding climate. Small groups practicing their faith in a maturing world. As you see, the story of Texas zigs and zags in much deeper ways than what you may have been led to believe in popular culture.

Tickets for the tour are $12 for adults and $6 for children. Luncheon tickets are $10. For more information or to reserve tickets, contact the Clifton Chamber of Commerce offices at (254) 6753720 or toll free at 1 (800) 344-3720, or visit its website at www. cliftontexas.org.

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LEGACY PARK:

Behind the Scenes, Behind the Barn photograph by SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS

Lasting Legacy article by

ASHLEY ABEL

I like thumbing through old photos, researching and learning about the history of local places I’ve seen my entire life but never really knew their story. I love the challenge of connecting property developers with owners of properties. It’s that much sweeter when it’s a historic property. I feel a sense of accomplishment myself when a local small business owner wins an award.

I enjoy the feeling each time I see another of Clifton’s empty buildings get filled with businesses and customers. If we are currently dreaming, please don’t wake me up anytime soon...

A while back, Paige Key, the Executive Director of the Clifton Chamber of Commerce, and I had heard about Bob Mauldin’s show that explores dilapidated structures in the nearly forgotten reaches of Texas. Expedition Texas has an impressive following and broadcast area, covering Dallas, Fort Worth, Abilene, Tyler, Austin, and everywhere in between. I’ve even seen it on Sundays when having lunch at The Horny Toad in Cranfills Gap. One TV has NASCAR, and the other one has Expedition Texas. The show is out there. Folks are seeing it.

Then, this last winter, we were approached by Expedition Texas to run advertising for Clifton during their weekly episodes. As luck would have it, we found ourselves negotiating for an episode on Clifton too!

In multiple conversations with Bob, we’ve asked, “Do you want falling-down, dilapidated buildings? Buildings that haven’t been restored? ‘Vanishing Texas treasures?’ That kind of thing? Or do you want the rehabbed buildings? The ones whose story is being re-told?” Bob’s response was always, “Honestly, I want a little bit

of both. But always keep in mind, this is really about finding those lost ones.”

That’s the criteria that led us to select Legacy Park for our first episode. That and there was an obvious marketing ploy to raise more awareness about the park’s restoration project in order to boost efforts to complete its restoration, especially the Little Alamo, which is nearing completion.

Ahead of the shoot, we gave Bob a bunch of reading material, photographs, and a video featuring the Little Alamo and Sale Barn.

The gold and black footage filmed by the Capps family and edited

by W. Leon Smith (our former newspaper publisher) showed snippets of the fair and rodeo there in 1939, two years after the two stone buildings were constructed. As the scenes flicker by, you catch glimpses of the buildings in their glory days and can almost smell the cigarette smoke of the men and the musk of the animals everyone is admiring.

The Clifton Lions Club initiated the building of the sale barn.

It was two months before the fair when they realized, “We don’t have anywhere for all the home economics exhibits to go.” So they quickly built the Little Alamo. Many people may not realize this, but you have to understand the Central Texas Fair in Clifton was a huge deal then. When you read back in the news articles of that time, as they start discussing the fair and why they needed the buildings, you discover they would host delegations from the Dallas and Fort Worth stockyards, and thousands upon thousands of people attended the fair during fair season. They traveled quite a distance to get here. It was a huge economic driver for Clifton at

48 the time.

The day of Expedition Texas’ filming, it was bright, sunny, and chilly. The production crew rolled up in their car with all their equipment packed in. It was three guys: Bob, the show’s host and owner; Chris, one of the producers and site selector, he also doubles as the Main Street manager in Hillsboro; and Sean, the cameraman and drone operator.

We started that morning outside under the big oak tree at the back. Our local guides for the episode were Mary Orbeck, Calvin Rueter, and Julie Conley. Each of them has an entirely different tie to the property and vastly different memories of the site. Paige and I stayed to the side; we thought we would like the idea of being on camera, until the camera showed up!

Our guides each told some of the basic history of the buildings and the surrounding area. Julie shared how she was involved with the Legacy Park restoration project and gave a brief overview of the facility, how it came to be, and what our vision is for the project. She shared a few of her memories, and was the primary one who really spoke to what we’re looking to do right now. The work is nearing completion on the Little Alamo, but the big monster of the rest of the renovation is the actual sale barn itself.

Shortly after, we made it inside the barn.

Mary and Calvin both expanded on their memories of the facility, and standing just inside the barn -- listening to the picture they painted in your mind -- you were swept back to a bygone era in Clifton’s history.

I did not realize before that in her teenage years, Mary actually worked there in the office at the sale barn. As they auctioned off the cattle out there, they’d pop through a now long-gone window and hand her the cards with the information of the sale. She would have handled the transaction. She

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COMMUNITIES then painted out the picture in great detail -- how the desks were laid out and the entire layout of the office and entryway of the barn. Unless you had someone like Mary walk you through that area, you’d never know to picture a desk here and a door over there, and the cafe area just around here...

Calvin’s painting was the same way.

When you enter into the big room -- the room where all the action would have been, you could almost see them, maybe even smell them. Calvin discussed buying and selling cattle in there and his life as a cattleman. He even gave Bob tips on “eyeing” good cattle.

Honestly, being in that space was hectic at times. I was terrified someone was going to take a topple. It’s all big three-inch rock once you enter the largest portion of the barn, and once you step off the concrete walkway by the stands, it’s all rock. I’ve got these folks who have never walked through here (or it’s been years since they have), and I’m expecting them to cruise across that rock? While being filmed? With no problem? Half the time I walk across it, I don’t make it without rolling an ankle. Off camera. Anyone who knows Mary knows she is always dressed very elegantly and classy and here we are, walking through this building, the entire time, I’m praying, “Please don’t let the cobwebs touch her jacket.” It never failed, Bob would find another room to explore and call her in! I just knew we were going to ruin her jacket!

But I must say the entire experience was great. The laid back nature of the entire production helped facilitate camaraderie, jokes, and easy conversation. If you tuned out the camera glaring you in the face, it truly was just conversation. I truly can’t wait to see the final product. Years ago, the sale barn was used to store a bunch of agriculture equipment or relics of agriculture equipment. Some of those pieces were still

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in there. So not only were our guides able to give us history on the facility, they also walked us through some of the equipment used in farming the land in times past. Although Calvin was sure to point out, even some of those items were old to him and he did NOT use them.

The Legacy Park episode will be featured in the season premiere on Saturday, September 23. I haven’t seen the episode yet, so I don’t know what scenes they used in the show. We almost lost some footage.

As I write this, the memory card is sitting with a forensic computer tech recovering the remainder of the footage. Our shoot was the first time they had used their new equipment. When it came time to edit the footage to produce the episode, the card had become corrupted, so they have spent much of the summer recovering our footage. This, in a way, I believe, re-enforces the importance of Legacy Park even more.

What happens if we lose it and nothing remains to tell the important story and role the facility played in early Clifton?

We hope that when the new episode airs, maybe it’ll boost tourism to Clifton as well as educate our local folks about a piece of our local history. We are currently working on episode number two for Clifton, and plan to focus on the Norwegian culture and heritage next. Our goals for these episodes are to kick-start some more of Legacy Park’s restoration, obviously we want others to come visit us, but we’d especially like to use these episodes to educate everyone on the importance of preserving our local history. I believe one of the things that makes all of this so special is the opportunity to see these unique perspectives. It’s kind of cool to hang out where your ancestors hung out. It really makes you wonder what else you’d learn if “the walls could talk.”

Ashley Abel is the Community Development Coordinator for Clifton, Texas.

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OUT & ABOUT: HAPPENING EVENTS OCTOBER On the second Saturday in October – the 14th this year – the First United Methodist Church Meridian holds is popular Lord’s Harvest fundraiser with a steak-tip lunch, a store with handmade arts, crafts, baked goods and canned goods. The live auction always has a couple of longtime favorites, like rugs, wreaths and the infamous Javalina photo, that turns up again each year.

On Oct. 14 at 7 p.m, the Tin Building Theatre group presents Skit Night with “Carol Burnett & Friends” in which the volunteers of the Tin Building Theatre provide a late summer escape in this series of re-creations of skits by Carol Burnett and other acts.

Every other month, there is BYOB Bingo at the Bosque Arts Center. On Oct.19, they are adding a contest. Come dressed for to play in your oldest T-shirt you own for a fun-filled Bingo evening. Check the menu offered by the Culinary Club and come for dinner at 6 p.m. and stay for games at 7 p.m. Bring your favorite beverage. Guest callers provide a light-hearted banter as they call out the numbers. A fun date night.

The third Saturday in October – Oct. 23 this year - is the day for the fun Fall Fest in Clifton with live music down town, vendors and booths, the artisan guild show and sale, the art club art show at the Bosque Arts Center, the Lutherans Sunset Ministries fundraising quilt auction in the Clifton Armory, and a classic car show downtown.

Also on Oct. 23 is the annual Bacon Bash in Cranfills Gap. Visitors come from far and wide to sample everything with bacon, from bacon vodka to bacon muffins.

Part of the proceeds benefit Niki Warms the Cold that provides blankets and clothing for the homeless and a fund for diabetes I sufferers.

One of the biggest events in the county, the National Championship Barbecue Cookoff in Meridian is scheduled for Oct. 27 and 28. Side attractions to the event are a Saturday morning parade, classic car show, live music throughout the day, People’s Choice barbecue sampling and carnival. The annual event is a fundraiser for local charities and scholarships.

Eddy Raven judges and headlines the Fifth Annual Texas Troubadour Songwriter Classic. Judging and performing

article & photographs by

SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS

with Raven will be Grammy-winning singer/songwriter/producer Frank Myers. The top ten singer/songwriters in the Troubadour contest will compete for titles of Texas Troubadour. Performances begin at 5 p.m.

The Tin Building theatre is alive with the music of aspiring singer/songwriters during this annual competition. Wine, beer and a selection of hot dogs chili and nachos will be available prior to and during the event.

Tickets go on sale September 25. Reserve your tickets online at www.bosqueartscenter.org.

Throughout Bosque County, there are Trick or Treat activities on Oct. 31. The biggest ones are in Clifton and Meridian

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starting around 5:30 p.m., but Cranfills Gap and Walnut Springs are also popular destinations for young families and their dressed-up, candy-searching ghoulies.

NOVEMBER Bosque Showdown Jackpot Show: This jackpot show was moved from September to November to accommodate more local hog breeders to enter. The one-day event for steers/heifers, goats, lambs and pigs is planned for November 18. For more information call the Central Texas Youth Fair Board at 214-585-1813.

Bosque County Go Texan Extravaganza: Area Go Texas scholarship fundraiser, which includes a steak dinner and big raffle stakes. The event is at the Clifton Armory on Nov. 2. For more information 254-3961136.

On Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. the Bosque Arts Center offers Holiday Craft Cocktails with Chef. The Culinary Club is sponsoring this event and provides a delectable selection of holiday appetizers. The price to participate is $30 per person. Call for details and reservations at 254-675-3724.

Annual Smorgasbord at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Norse: A unique buffet dinner combines church fundraising with the county’s Norwegian heritage with a wide selection of Norwegian foods. Also various cheese and breads are included on the menu that boasts about 40 items. The ballot ticket only event is planned for Nov. 11.

The Bosque County Child Protective Services Toy Run: This year, the motorcycle Santa’s will roar into Meridian bringing gifts and monetary donations on Nov. 19. The Toy Run is from McGregor to Meridian.

Usually around 150 motorcyclists end up at the Meridian Civic Center around 11:30 a.m. for a chili supper prepared by the Chili Gang, a group of Good Samaritans, who

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offer their cooking services to local charities.

Area residents also show up bearing gifts and monetary donations to partake in the great lunch.

For those people having to work on Thanksgiving, the First United Methodist Church Meridian offers a Thanksgiving meal. All you have to do is pick it up at the church around noon.

German Heritage Sausage & Sauerkraut Supper at Zion United Church Womack: Highlighting the county’s German heritage is this long-standing county tradition – a sausage and sauerkraut

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fundraising dinner on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The delectable homemade desserts alone are worth the drive out into the Womack countryside. This year the event is on Nov. 25 from 5- 7 p.m. For more information call 254-675-3599 or visit zionunitedchurchwomack.com Iredell’s Veterans Day Field of Flags: No Veteran’s Day is complete without the planting of the remembrance flags for the county’s fallen soldiers in Iredell. The flags are put out at 8 a.m. at the field next to the Guinn sports park and are out all day until sunset.

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DECEMBER American Watercolorist Randy Meador stars in a special One Man Show at the Bosque Arts Center from Friday, Dec. 1 to Saturday, Dec. 9. The BAC is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and during the Arts of Christmas Expo, Dec. 1 and 2. The show is open and free to the public, Meador’s works will be on display in the second floor galleries.

Several activities in the first weekend of December herald in the Christmas season in Bosque County.

The Lighted Parade in Clifton on Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. is the start of it all. For information call the Clifton Chamber of Commerce at 254-675-3720.

After the parade many visit the BAC to be enchanted by the uniquely decorated Christmas trees and other Christmas decor, live music performed by local musicians, along with artisan crafted pottery, a quilt display, small original paintings, and various gifts for sale at the Arts of Christmas Exhibit & Bazaar at the Bosque Arts Center (254-675-3724) – there will also be chance to visit with Santa and have a refreshment.

The next day, the BAC is open at 9 a.m. also with its quilt display, musical selections from performers throughout the day, bazaar items and refreshments and artwork displays.

Also after the parade is the Museum by Candlelight reception from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

(254-675-3845) where they enjoy unique Christmas decorations throughout the Bosque Museum and stop at the gift shop for unique Christmas gifts.

The next day it is time for the Norwegian Country Christmas Home Tour and activities from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Each year the tour features historic – often family - homes that are open to the public, a traditional There is live entertainment in downtown

51 area throughout the day. There are usually free carriage rides –downtown from 3 -6 p.m., compliments of First National Bank.

The traditional Norwegian Luncheon served from 11 a.m. -1:30 p.m. at the Clifton Civic Center prepared and served

by Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors is very popular.

The newly Bosque Arts Center’s Quilt Guild will have a festive collection of holiday quilts supplied by area members.

Holiday quilts of all sizes, shapes, colors and Christmas themes will be displayed on the second floor at the BAC, throughout the weekend.

At the Heritage Village in the Clifton Armory visitors can shop the many arts and crafts booths set up. Demonstrators and artisans will not only show their skills at historic arts, but will sell their wares. There will also be seasonal and baked goods, German specialties, Norwegian goodies, wood work, candles, handmade jewelry, art for sale.

The Clifton Classic Chassis Auto Museum is open during the tour, offering little bit of automotive history with beautifully restored cars from the 1940s through the 1970s including Corvettes, Buicks, Pontiacs, and Chryslers.

At the historic St. Olaf Lutheran Kirke, better known to residents as “The Old Rock Church” four miles east of Cranfills Gap in the heart of the Norse area will host local choirs and musicians throughout the day.

Cleng Peerson, the Father of Norwegian Immigration to America is buried in the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church cemetery.

The beautiful “Mother Church” of the Norse Community is open for tours during the Norwegian Christmas tour.

Also open to the public that day is the Ringness Home, built in 1859. It was the first site of Lutheran church services in 1867. A monument was erected in 1932 on the roadside to honor the site. The house

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has been under renovation for several years.

The Norwegian Society has raised funds from donations and other projects to fund the renovation. Have refreshments and tour this early Norwegian historic home.

Coinciding with the Norwegian Christmas tour is the Annual Lutefisk Dinner at the Cranfills Gap School.

The yearly tradition began over 50 years ago to raise funds for Saint Olaf ’s Lutheran Church. The dinner eventually outgrew the church’s basement fellowship facilities and the Cranfills Gap Booster Club took the reins. Lutefisk is made from air-dried whitefish, usually cod, which has been prepared with lye. The distinctly Norwegian draws people from far and wide. Students help to prepare and serve, perform traditional Norwegian dances for patrons waiting to be seated The Tin Building Theatre offers yearly holiday performances during the Christmas tour weekend.

December 2 is also the evening for the Meridian Lighted Parade and Christmas on the Bosque activities. The park at River Street lights will go on, and there are ample photo opportunities with Santa in his Santa House and with the beautiful lighted displays. Churches show up to offer cocoa and cookies for the festive evening.

The annual Bosque Chorale Christmas Concert will be presented Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. in their new home, the Frazier Performance Hall on the third floor of the Bosque Arts Center.

The theme this year is Christmas Pops in which director David Anavitarte takes the choir through classics like Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jingle Bell Rock, Silver Bells and Frosty The Snowman, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Star of Bethlehem and Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas.

Go online to reserve your tickets at www. bosqueartscenter.org.

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